Pensioners in Akwa Ibom Seek Meeting with Governor Eno Over Local Government Autonomy and Pension Concerns

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Akwa Ibom State Council, has formally requested a meeting with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to discuss the implications of local government autonomy on the timely payment of pensions and gratuities. This discussion is aimed at preventing a recurrence of the difficulties faced during the previous autonomy period, which began in 1990.

The request for the meeting was made in a communique shared with journalists in Uyo on Tuesday. The communique was endorsed by key leaders, including Obong E. E. Ekpo (JP), Chairman of NUP, Obong Cosmos M. Essien, Secretary of NUP, Hon. Emmanuel S. Udoaka, Secretary of Retired Primary School Teachers (RPST), and other prominent figures.

The pensioners expressed deep gratitude to Governor Eno for his ongoing support to retired pensioners in the state. The union highlighted several significant measures that have positively impacted pensioners, such as the smooth payment of monthly pensions, the establishment of a N20,000 minimum pension in lieu of the N30,000 minimum wage, and the release of up to N28 billion to settle accumulated gratuity debts.

Furthermore, they commended the governor for his commitment to pensioners, including his decision to pay N32,000 into pensions by the end of the month in lieu of the N70,000 minimum wage. They also acknowledged that Governor Eno has always been responsive to the needs of pensioners whenever called upon.

Despite these positive developments, the Executive Committee appealed to the governor to consider the economic challenges faced by older citizens, especially the high cost of medicines. They urgently called for the payment of consequential adjustments as outlined by the Salary and Wages Commission in Circular No. SWC/3/04/S./542/II/296 and a 20% pension review, as stipulated in Circular No. SWC/S/04/S.542/II/449.

In closing, the Executive Council appealed for a meeting with Governor Eno on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to discuss the issue of local government autonomy and its potential effects on pension and gratuity payments. They emphasized the need for such a meeting to prevent any recurrence of the challenges experienced during the last period of local government autonomy in 1990.